There are many important distinctions the ACA brings to individual health insurance. Read below to find out about some of the more salient ways healthcare reform affects you, or contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the changes ahead.

Grandfathered Plans

If you have been satisfied with the insurance you have had since on or before March 23, 2010, you may keep that insurance plan - although the rates will be modified.

Tax Subsidies

If your income qualifies - and we can help you find out! - you may be eligible for insurance premium tax credits to lower the cost of insurance, or you may be eligible for Medi-Cal. Eligibility Guidelines:

Your gross income is about $45,000 or less for an individual, or $92,000 or less for a family (see line 37 of your W-2).

Your employer does not offer affordable medical insurance, or you are a contractor or Mon & Pop business owner. Affordable means you pay less than 9.5% of your monthly income toward your medical premium.

Other tax impact? U.S. taxpayers will be paying a little more in taxes.

CoveredCA - What is this? - California's Insurance Marketplace

To help make health insurance easy for anyone to access, state insurance marketplaces have been created to sell the new plans. In California, this health insurance exchange is called Covered California and it will be administered by knowledgeable & certified agents such as those at Stacy Hering Astor & Associates.

Open enrollment begins in this marketplace on October 1st, 2013 and lasts until March 31st, 2014.

Participation in CoveredCA is optional. Individuals are still welcome to access coverage directly through the carriers with the help of their insurance agent.